Xavi identifies key reason Barcelona lost to Man Utd in Europa League play-off

Xavi claimed the loss of Pedri and Gavi was key to Barcelona’s loss to Manchester United on Thursday night.

The 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Red Devils at Old Trafford meant the leaders in La Liga were beaten 4-3 on aggregate and were eliminated from the Europa League. Barca had led at half-time due to a Robert Lewandowski penalty, but a second-half fightback from United saw Fred and Antony grab decisive goals.

The Catalan club found it more difficult to create chances in the second leg than they did at Nou Camp last week. That could be explained by the absences of Pedri and Gavi, with the latter suspended, while Gavi was replaced in the 2-2 draw last week with an injury that ruled him out of the reverse fixture.

Despite both players being teenagers, Xavi felt their influence was missed at Old Trafford. “I think we lacked calm and patience - we started the second half badly,” said the former Barcelona midfielder.

“We were dominating the game and controlling it but we lost some duels in the second half; more game management [was needed]. We could have been more intense. Small details

“In general, we needed a little bit more, we lacked something in our game. We were missing Pedri and Gavi and I think it showed. We can be proud of how we competed against a really big side because we had an excellent first half.

Asked what Barca missed by not having Pedri and Gavi, Xavi replied: “Well the way they take their time on the ball. They turn, look around, will get on the ball and we missed them.

“Sergi Roberto and Franck Kessie came in and did well but Gavi and Pedri are key players for us. I think if they had played today we would not have had as many issues.”